Director of Choral Music

About St. John's United Methodist Church St. John's United Methodist Church is a long-established congregation in Edwardsville, Illinois, with deep roots in the community and a strong commitment to worship, service, and discipleship. As part of The United Methodist Church, St. John's values thoughtful, grace-centered theology; meaningful, well-planned worship; and ministry that reflects Christ's love for all people. Our congregation seeks to be welcoming, hospitable, respectful and inclusive of the diversity of God's children as part of our response to the grace made known to us through Jesus Christ. Scope This position is under the general supervision of the Directing Pastor and is responsible for providing choral music at the traditional and combined worship services at St. John's United Methodist Church. The person assuming this position will be sympathetic to and uphold the mission of St. John's United Methodist Church, the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, the United Methodist denomination as a whole, and the Christian faith. Duties and Responsibilities The Director of Choral Music rehearses the Chancel Choir for active participation and leadership in scheduled Sunday traditional worship services and other services as needed. The Director selects all choral anthems to be sung by the choir. Music selections should be appropriate for the day and made in collaboration with the Directing Pastor. All music selections must be submitted to the Directing Pastor for final approval at least 72 hours prior to the event. The Director is expected to exhibit high musical standards, initiative, creativity, and a personal dedication to the goals of the music ministry. Choir anthems are sung under the direction of the Director of Choral Music at weekly worship services unless other choirs, soloists, or arrangements have been approved by the Director of Choral Music and the Directing Pastor. The Director is responsible for the choir's appearance, sound, and delivery. Performance and celebration through special choir selections or music programs are encouraged from time to time. The Director purchases music and music supplies for the choir program. Budgeted expenditures are under the control of the Worship Team. Interest accrued by the Kresteff Fund is to be used at the direction of the Director of Choral Music, as prescribed in the donor's bequest. All duties are to be performed in a cordial, professional, and cooperative manner with the Pastor, other worship facilitators, and the choir. Work Schedule The Director attends the traditional worship service and serves as Director of Choral Music on scheduled Sundays, as well as up to five additional days as determined by St. John's United Methodist Church. These additional days will be communicated at least 30 days in advance. The Directing Pastor must be notified of any substitute at least seven days prior to an absence unless an emergency occurs. The Director works with the Directing Pastor and other worship facilitators to ensure timely communication and planning. The Director of Choral Music performs duties with the choir from the weekend after Labor Day through the weekend before Memorial Day. Rehearsals begin the week before Labor Day. From the Sunday after Memorial Day through the Sunday before Labor Day weekend, the choir typically sings on alternate Sundays. Rehearsals during this period are conducted 30 minutes before the start of the traditional service on Sundays when the choir is scheduled to sing, plus one rehearsal at an agreed upon date in August. On Sundays when the choir does not sing, soloists or ensembles may provide special. These arrangements are made by the Director of Choral Music in collaboration with the Directing Pastor and Organist/Accompanist. Skills and Qualifications A degree in Music or Music Education, or equivalent performance experience, is preferred. Considerable experience and demonstrated ability are required, as this musician provides a high level of support for the overall music ministry of the church. In addition to musical expertise, the Director of Choral Music must demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills. The ideal candidate will be collaborative, reliable, and attentive to both musical excellence and the practical details that contribute to smooth, well-prepared worship services.

Pay:

$290.00 per week

Benefits:

Flexible schedule Paid time off

Work Location:

In person